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This Starbucks Sugar Cookie Syrup is the cozy holiday flavor we all look forward to this time of year. Buttery, sweet, and super nostalgic! Now you can make it at home in under 15 minutes using simple pantry ingredients! This easy copycat recipe tastes just like the Starbucks version and let’s you enjoy your favorite festive drink all season long without leaving your kitchen!

Sugar cookie syrup in a container

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The firs time I tried the Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte, I fell in love immediately! That buttery cookie flavor instantly felt like the holidays. The following year, I decided to make the syrup from scratch, and it turned out so close to the real thing that I’ve been making it ever since.

Now every December, I whip up a batch on Sunday and keep it in the fridge to stir into my morning coffee throughout the week. Sometimes, I even drizzle it over pancakes or waffles… It’s really that good!

  • It’s a spot-on copycat: tastes like the real Starbucks version.
  • Budget-friendly: Make 6-8 drinks at home for less than one coffee shop visit!
  • Quick & easy: only 10 -15 minutes to prepare.
  • Make-ahead magic: store it for the week to add to your coffee, lattes, or cold brews.

If you love recreating your favorite Starbucks items at home, try my Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, or this Pumpkin Scones Copycat Recipe.

Ingredients on the counter top

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this simple syrup for coffee. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.

  • Brown sugar and granulated sugar- the mix gives depth and caramel-like notes.
  • Water- the base of your syrup.
  • Vanilla extract– adds warmth and sweetness
  • Almond extract– key to that sugar cookie flavor!
  • Butter extract- gives it a rich, buttery bakery taste.

If you can’t have almond extract due to allergies, add a little extra vanilla extract instead.

Overhead shot of sugar cookie latte with sprinkles

This is how you can make this easy recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!

  1. In a medium saucepan add the sugars and water, and stir.
  2. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Let the mixture simmer for 10 or so minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture slightly thickens.
  4. Remove from heat and immediately add in the flavorings and extract, and stir.
  5. Let the syrup cool down before placing it in an airtight container and storing in the fridge.

Pro tip: For a stronger flavor, let the extracts steep for 15 minutes before straining and storing.

This homemade Starbucks sugar cookie syrup isn’t just for coffee! Try it in:

  • Lattes and iced coffees
  • Cold brew of espresso drinks
  • Holiday cocktails or mocktails
  • Drizzled over French toast, waffles, or pancakes.

Expert Tips

  • Use Pure extract for best flavor, imitations ones won’t give you that rich sugar cookie notes.
  • The butter extract is key, don’t skip it!
  • Always cool before refrigerating to prevent crystallization.
  • Store in a glass jar. It keep the flavor pure longer than plastic containers.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

Keep it in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you want to make a big batch, you can also freeze it in ice cube trays and thaw as needed.

Can I use this syrup in anything else?

Absolutely, while the Starbucks syrup is used in their iced latter, hot lattes, and cold brew drinks you can also use it in your holiday cocktails or mocktails for a delicious sugar cookie drink!

Cold brew sugar cookie drink in a cup

Can I use real butter instead of butter extract?

No, real butter will solidify in cold drinks, Stick to butter extract for smooth, even flavor.

What if I don’t have butter extract?

The butter extract is a must for this recipe. Sure you can leave it out but you will be missing out on that buttery flavor that you usually would get from a sugar cookie. I would add a little more vanilla to make up for not adding the butter extract.

Close up of the Starbucks syrup copycat

Can I make it without almond extract?

Yes! Just double the vanilla for a nut-free version.

How do I make it stronger?

Add extra extracts a drop at a time and taste, almond especially is potent.

How long does it last?

About 2 weeks in the fridge, though it usually disappears much faster around here!

Sugar cookie syrup in a container
4.99 from 70 votes

Starbucks sugar cookie syrup for coffee

This easy Starbucks sugar cookie syrup for coffee is the easiest flavored simple syrup you can make to turn your coffee into a coffee shop masterpiece.
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 12 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
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Ingredients 
 

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp butter extract
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp almond extract Add as little or as much as you'd like. 1/4 is best if you don't want a strong almond flavor while 1/2 is perfect for strong almond flavor lovers.

Instructions 

  • Pour the water and sugars in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat down and let the simple syrup simmer for abour 10 minutes. We want the mixture to thicken slightly and the sugar to dissolve.
  • Add in the vanilla extract, butter flavoring, and almond extract, give it a good stir. Then remove from heat and let it cool down before transferring it to a mason jar or an airtight container and storing it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 112Calories | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 7mg | Sugar: 28g | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.04mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Chahinez Tabet Aoul

Chahinez Tabet Aoul is the recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind Lifestyle of a Foodie and Simple Copycat Recipes. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chahinez is known for creating approachable, high-reward recipes that feel like they came straight from your favorite restaurant. Only easier, more fun, and made right a thome!

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4.99 from 70 votes (62 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




36 Comments

  1. Jenn says:

    5 stars
    This syrup is incredibly yummy!!
    Love it!

  2. Chloe says:

    This recipe is amazing!!! I love the sugar cookie latte but it’s seasonal. With this, I can have a taste of the holidays all year around! Thank you so much 🫶🫶

    1. Chahinez says:

      You’re very welcome!

  3. Rhonda says:

    Which measurement do most people go with on the almond extract?

  4. Becky says:

    5 stars
    Could I use this syrup to soak cake layers? I make and almond simple syrup but this has much more depth of flavor and would be delicious on a vanilla cake…maybe? Thoughts?

    1. Chahinez says:

      Honestly you can try it and come back to let me know! I would love to hear back